Ultimate Guide to Freelance Modeling
Ever thought of using your charisma and beauty to make some extra income?
If you have, then freelance modeling may be the perfect fit for you!
It’s is an exciting career opportunity that allows you to work on your own schedule.
You can make money while traveling the world, doing what you love, and meeting interesting people along the way.
Plus, once you start making money as a model, it can become very lucrative over time if done right.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then keep reading because we have a ton of great tips that will help you!
You Might Also Like:
25 Trusted Online Money Making Sites to Start Working From Home
Ultimate Guide on How to Make Money Online for Beginners
20 Online Jobs that Pay Daily and Weekly
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Table of Contents
What is freelance modeling?
Freelance modeling is when you work as a model for various clients, as opposed to being employed by one specific company.
It’s perfect for those who want to have more control over their work schedule and career path.
As a freelance model, you can work with different photographers, clothing brands, or other businesses in the industry.
Should you work for a modeling agency or be a freelancer?
That’s a question that many aspiring models ask themselves.
There are pros and cons to both choices.
Working for a modeling agency can be great because they already have connections with clients, so you don’t have to worry about finding work.
However, agencies often take a large chunk of your pay (usually around 10-50%), so you may end up making less money than if you were a freelancer.
As a freelancer, you’ll have to find your own clients, but you’ll keep most of the money you make.
It can be a lot more work, but it also gives you more control over your career.
But keep in mind, if you are not good at negotiating contracts and your pay, even though an agency takes a cut, you may be able to get paid more if they negotiate a higher price for your services.

Remote Resume Guide
Want to learn how to create a stand out resume that will help you land an Online Job? Grab our Guide to help you perfect your pitch as a job seeker.
So which is the best option for you?
It really depends on your goals and what you’re looking for in a career.
If you want more stability and don’t want to have to worry about finding clients, then working for a modeling agency may be a better choice.
If you’re more comfortable having the freedom to choose when and how much you work, then go with freelancing.
It’s important to note that even if you do decide to be a freelancer, it never hurts to have an agency in your corner.
They can help get you gigs that will generate more income and can be a valuable resource when you’re just starting out.
What do you need to get started in freelance modeling?
In order to start freelance modeling, you’ll need a few things:
A quality portfolio
This is your first and most important step.
A strong portfolio will show clients that you’re serious about your work and have the skills they’re looking for.
Your portfolio should include high-quality pictures of you in different poses and outfits.
It’s also important to have a variety of photos, including headshots, full-body shots, and shots taken from different angles.
The proper knowledge of modeling poses
In order to look like a professional model, you need to know the right poses.
This is something you can learn by studying the work of successful models or taking classes from an experienced photographer.
Familiarity with different kinds of poses will give you an advantage when you’re looking for work because it shows the client that you know what looks good.
Related Post: 25 In-Demand Online Skills You Need to Learn to Land Remote Jobs
Availability to work
Since freelance modeling doesn’t have set hours, this means that even if one gig ends, there are usually more opportunities available right away.
This is a great career for those who are flexible and available to work on short notice.
Prepare a comp card
A comp card is a great way to show potential clients your work.
It’s a physical or digital card that includes your headshot, contact information, and a few shots of you in different poses.
This is something you can create with the help of a graphic designer or by using a free online template on platforms like Canva.
Canva has a ton of free templates and tools that make it easy for you to create a professional-looking comp card.
Once you have a comp card, it’s a good idea to get it printed and bring it with you when you go on job interviews.
How do you find freelance modeling gigs?
Once you have a quality portfolio and some knowledge of modeling poses, it’s time to start looking for work.
There are a few ways to go about this:
Research companies and clients in your area
You’re not just limited to working with national companies.
There are likely smaller businesses in your area that are looking for models.
Sometimes smaller brands will have less strict requirements and will allow you to build your portfolio and gain experience.
Let people know you’re available
Look on social media, post your portfolio online, and let people know that you’re interested in modeling jobs.
You may not find work right away, but it will help get the word out that you’re looking for gigs.
Join modeling groups
Some cities and towns have modeling agencies that match models with photographers.
These groups can be a great place to connect with those looking for models, as well as other freelancers who may know about potential work opportunities.
Submit your portfolio to brands online
There are a number of online brands that are always looking for new models.
Submit your portfolio to these brands and see if they’re interested in working with you.
This is a great way to get your name out there and to start building relationships with potential clients.
A few sites you can submit your portfolio are:
Model Mayhem: a site that’s great for browsing job listings and connecting with brands.
Model Management: this platform allows you to sign up for roles that are posted by various companies.
How much do freelance models make?
Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this question.
The amount you make freelance modeling will depend on your experience, the type of work you do, and where you live.
However, most models make an average of $20-$50 per hour, and more experienced models can earn around $150 an hour.
Of course, if you become a top model the sky is the limit!
But keep in mind that it can take some time to get work and build up your portfolio.
Here are a few other factors that will determine how much you will get paid as a freelance model:
Your look: if you have an unconventional look that they love, you may be able to charge more for your services.
Type of work: doing runway or high fashion modeling will usually pay more than doing catalog work.
Location: working in a big city will likely result in you making more money than if you worked in a small town.
Portfolio: if you have an amazing portfolio, you can earn more for your services.
As a freelancer, it’s important to stay marketable and keep learning new things.
Continue building relationships with photographers, brands, and other models in the industry.
The more experience you have and the better your portfolio becomes, the more money you will be able to make!
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Content Creator
Pros and Cons of freelance modeling
Just like anything else, there are pros and cons to freelance modeling.
Here are a few points to consider before starting freelance modeling:
Pros:
- You have complete control over your work schedule
- You can choose the jobs you want to do
- You can make a lot of money if you’re successful
Cons:
- It can be difficult to get started if you don’t know anyone in the business
- You may not always get paid (depending on the type of work)
- It can be difficult to balance multiple jobs at once
- You may be treated poorly by clients
Tips for freelance models
If you are looking to start freelance modeling, here are a few tips to help you stand out:
Always have a great portfolio that showcases your best work.
This is important so you can book jobs and make money.
That is what you are selling, after all, so make sure it’s top-notch!
Build relationships with clients.
Freelancing is very social work, so having contacts is key to getting jobs and advancing your career.
You should also make sure that you are keeping in touch with your clients so they don’t forget about you and continue to hire you for work.
Stay up to date with the latest trends in modeling.
Knowledge is power, and if you can show clients that you know what’s going on in the industry they will be more likely to want to work with you.
Network, network, network!
As a freelancer, it’s important to get your name out there and meet as many people as possible.
Attend modeling events, go to meetups, and connect with other professionals on social media.
The more people you know, the more opportunities will come your way!
Be willing to learn.
As a freelance model, you will have to take on many different types of work.
That means being open-minded and willing to learn new things!

What are different types of modeling?
There are many different types of modeling, from print work to runway to commercial.
Each type serves a different purpose and caters to a certain audience.
It’s important that you know what each job entails before agreeing to anything, as there may be restrictions on your appearance or how much you can be paid.
Print Work
This type of modeling typically involves working with magazines, catalogs, and other print media.
You will usually be photographed in a studio setting and might be asked to wear specific clothes or do specific poses.
Print work is a great way to get started in the modeling industry and can be lucrative if you book lots of jobs.
Commercial Work
Commercial work is similar to print modeling but typically involves you appearing in television commercials and other types of media.
This type of work can be exciting because it gets your image out there for lots of different people to see.
However, commercial shoots might involve long hours and working with difficult clients or brands.
Runway Work
Runway modeling is the most high-profile type of modeling and typically involves walking in fashion shows.
This type of work can be very demanding, as you may have to rehearse for hours on end and then travel to different cities for fashion weeks.
However, it’s also a great way to get your name out there and build relationships with other professionals in the fashion industry.
These are just a few of the different types of modeling you can do for freelance work.
If you are interested in being more commercial or runway-oriented, then finding an agency might be best.

Is freelance modeling right for you?
Now that you know about the different types of work you can do, it’s time to decide whether or not modeling is right for you.
Freelancing is very demanding and requires a lot of discipline.
If you are passionate about fashion and want to build your career in the modeling industry, then go ahead and get started!
However, if you’re just looking to make a little extra money on the side, then you might want to look for online jobs that pay.
Working as a freelance model can be fun and rewarding, but it’s important that you have the right mindset before starting.
If you are not comfortable being judged by your appearance or don’t like modeling, then you should probably choose another profession.
You also need to be able to manage your time well and make good money management decisions.
So before you take the plunge and start chasing your dream, make sure that you can handle all aspects of this type of work.
Freelance modeling: Key Takeaways
Freelance modeling is a great way to break into the world of fashion and entertainment.
In order to find jobs, you will need to build up your portfolio with high-quality photographs and be able to market your skills to professionals.
Don’t be afraid to take on all types of jobs, as you never know what might come your way!
It will also allow you to see what types of freelance modeling jobs you enjoy the most.
Lastly, always remember to have a positive attitude and be professional with everyone you work with.
This is the key to success in any industry!
So, if you’re ready to get started, then go ahead and take the plunge into the glamorous world of modeling!